Here’s a REAL oldie, although GoodReads says it was published in 2003. I wonder if it’s older, if 2003 is a re-released date. Anyone? Bueller? (Hey, in the fine print: first published 1997, so there I go. I figured it out.)

So here it is. From mega-best-seller and awesome author all around (Okay, that last part’s a guess, but why not?) LaVyrle Spencer.

Eighteen years ago, young Tess McPhail left tiny Wintergreen, Missouri, for Nashville and never looked back. Now one of country music’s brightest lights, “Mac” McPhail is a millionairess many times over, whose career is her life. At thirty-five, Mac has no time for marriage, children, or kinfolk – until her sisters insist she come home to help care for their widowed mother. Assuming a month in Wintergreen will be merely dreary, Mac is unprepared for what awaits her. After almost two decades of public adoration, she is suddenly a nonperson – insulted by her jealous older sister, enraged by her intractable mother, ignored by Kenny Kronek, the next-door neighbor she mercilessly taunted all through high school. A handsome divorce who dotes upon his teenage daughter, Casey, Kenny is widely respected in the community. Now he refuses to give Mac even the time of day. Once she discovers Casey is a promising country music talent, Mac assumes the role of mentor. She gradually becomes an integral part of life in Wintergreen, and the feigned indifference between Mac and Kenny turns to playful bickering, then passion. By month’s end, Mac McPhail has not only grown to treasure the priceless solidarity of family and community, but also opened up her heart to love. Yet what was possible in Wintergreen appears a naive fantasy back in Nashville: Is there room for caring and commitment in the realm of superstardom – or is a woman worshipped by millions destined always to be alone?

I like that final question there, because I bet it’s one that a lot of successful people, of all genders, has come up against. Or maybe I’m dreaming and making life tougher than it needs to be. Or something.

My big question here, of course, is how much music plays into this story. There’s potential, but… is it enough? Does it cross the line?

Only one way to find out. Now I just need a nice, long flight across the country or something so I can sit and read, uninterrupted, because books like this? That’s what they are best for. Bring it.